Vancouver Island Military Museum — Attraction in Nanaimo

I recently visited a wonderful military museum in Nanaimo with my brother, and it turned out to be a truly memorable experience, thanks in large part to Greg D. He was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about history, and he took the time to guide us through the exhibits focused on both the First and Second World Wars.

Greg shared fascinating stories about the global events, but what made it extra special was how he connected them to local history. He told us about individuals from Nanaimo who served during the wars, which really brought the exhibits to life. Hearing about the sacrifices and contributions of people from the area gave us a deeper appreciation for the community’s history.

The museum itself is well-curated, with artifacts, uniforms, and photographs that help you feel connected to the past. If you’re in Nanaimo and have even a slight interest in history, I highly recommend stopping by—and if you’re lucky, Greg D. might be there to share...

These guys know their history. I brought my dad, husband, and 2 daughters in to experience the museum and it didn't disappoint. The kids donated to every donation bin they could find, it was hilarious. The gentleman walked with us, telling us many detailed stories and my husband had an absolute blast. My dad was whisked away into the past and had a wonderful time. My daughter's had lots of questions. To their delight, he answered them all! When I was a teenager I remember walking around outside and as a kid we took field trips there and ate outside, which is now fenced off to preserve the buildings, but the memories are there still there. I absolutely recommend dropping a donation in their bin! Spend time enjoying some educational conversations. This place is important to our local history. I toldy husband to apply there. He was schooling the...

While I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit to the VIMM, I was disheartened to see yet again that no mention was made of the Gumboot Navy. Nanaimo, of all places, I thought, would have some commemorative piece. Fishermen from this town enlisted in that service. 80 years ago, my father spent his youth on patrol in the roughest waters of the world on small boats, in winter, protecting Canada from a Japanese invasion. I understand that this is politically insensitive, knowing as I do that many of the Japanese internees were shepherded away by the Fishermen's Reserve (under orders), but lives were lost in defense of Canada in this naval organization as they were in others depicted in the museum. Is it not time to acknowledge...